The 2003 Grand Marshall's
Dayton and Pearl Sluss

A locally-known couple, who has been married more than 60 years, served as the Grand Marshals of the 2003 Dungannon July 4th Parade.

Dayton Erving, age 83 and Leona Pearl Sluss, age 80 were married Nov. 6, 1942 in Kingsport, TN The couple met while both were employed at cotton mills and took a liking to one another.

They have two children, Mrs Earl (Linda) Bishop of Duffield and Stanly Daine Sluss of Kingsport, Teen.

Dayton retired from Clinchfield Railroad and Pearl is a homemaker. They have been members of the Dungannon Freewill Baptist Church since March 23, 1953 where Dayton still serves as a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent and Pearl served many years as the church treasurer.

Dayton is an avid gardener and takes great pride in keeping the church grounds immaculate. Before her health failed, Pearl enjoyed making homemade quilts and canning for her family.

The Dungannon Community is fortunate to have such a lovely couple in their midst and are proud to honor them in this year's parade.